Oliver recipe for success for Pearson

Penguin-owner Pearson is hoping Jamie Oliver will cook up a storm this with a new book detailing a culinary road trip around the United States.

PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sat, May 2, 2009

COOKING WITH GAS: Publishers are hopeful Jamie Oliver’s new book does well

The publisher is hopeful Jamie Oliver’s America, a tie with a Channel 4 series, will help the group deliver a “good competitive performance” in the face of “challenging trading conditions”.

New books are also expected from Fever Pitch-author Nick Hornby and thriller writer Clive Cussler.

Pearson, which also publishes the Financial Times, said yesterday that trading for the first quarter was in line with City expectations, with revenues rising by 1 per cent to £1billion for the three months to March.

A key driver was its education division, which enjoyed a good start to the year.

The group warned North American markets would prove tough in the face of US state-budget cutbacks, although the company was hopeful extra central government funding would help stabilise the market.

“The economic environment makes us cautious about this year, but we’re encouraged by the start we’ve made,” said chief executive Marjorie Scardino.

“It indicates that Pearson can continue to perform well, even as some of our businesses face tough market conditions.”

She said the group would continue to invest in growing digital businesses and emerging markets, such as China.

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